2013 - RSAF 45th anniversary

Year

2013

The RSAF celebrated its 45th anniversary, highlighting achievements and fostering public engagement through exhibitions and events.

The RSAF celebrated its 45th anniversary with a string of events, including the RSAF Family Day and RSAF45@Heartland exhibitions. To kick-start this series of celebrations, a parade was held at Tengah Air Base on 1 Sep 2013, officiated by Chief of Air Force MG Hoo Cher Mou. Members of the public also attended the parade as part of the RSAF’s Community Outreach Programme.

Military personnel in dress uniforms, holding flags, with jets flying above and helicopters on the ground.

A parade was held at Tengah Air Base to mark this momentous occasion.

Troops in berets and camo uniforms stand with rifles, with a large airplane visible behind them.

The parade commenced with the marching in of eight contingents.

Boy with glasses and officer with Republic of Singapore Air Force plane, surrounded by military personnel.

An airman explaining the capabilities of the F-16C fighter aircraft to local blogger Dr Jiajia, who was invited to attend the parade.

Singapore Air Force member in uniform speaks with students near a fighter jet.

Singapore Youth Flying Club members learning about the Air Force’s latest technology.

Two Singapore Air Force officers in uniform shaking hands.

MG Hoo congratulating MSG (NS) Tan Kim Kiat on winning the RSAF Operationally Ready National Serviceman of the Year 2013 Award.

Large crowd viewing military aircraft and helicopters at an outdoor airshow.

The RSAF fielded a strong presence at the Singapore Airshow from 11 to 16 February 2014. Called RSAF45@SA, it showcased how far the Air Force had come and its commitment to defence through static displays and interactive exhibits. More than 140,000 people visited RSAF45@SA, which included aerial displays by the RSAF Black Knights.

Man taking selfie with Singapore "Black Knights" pilots in flight suits at event.

A fan snapping a photo with members of the Black Knights during an autograph session at RSAF45@SA.

Family wearing helmets poses by an inert missile launcher at an outdoor event.

A preview of RSAF45@SA on 8 February 2014 during RSAF Family Day included static displays such as the RBS 70 missile system.

Singapore Armed Forces member showing missile launcher to children at an outdoor event.

RSAF personnel and their families got up close with static displays of the Mistral and other Ground Based Air Defence systems.

Family in F5S jet cockpit: child sits, mother and pilot with cap behind.

RSAF personnel and their families taking photos with the F-5 fighter jet.

Crowd seated on blue chairs, looking up at planes under covered structure.

The homes and charities adopted by the various RSAF Commands and Air Bases were also invited to attend the RSAF Family Day. At the event, MG Hoo presented cheques to 11 beneficiaries. A total of $221,330 was raised for the SAF Benevolent Fund, President’s Challenge, SAF Care Fund, Singapore Red Cross, Apex Harmony Lodge, Villa Francis Home for the Aged, Geylang East Home for the Aged, Towner Gardens School, Idea Employment Development Centre, Melrose Home, and Asian Welfare Women Association.

Two men holding an oversized DBS Bank check for $11,000.00 from the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

MG Hoo presenting a cheque to Choy Weng Leong from Melrose Home.

Outdoor exhibition with crowds, military vehicles, tent, and city buildings.

RSAF45@Heartlands was a series of exhibitions held in Toa Payoh, Jurong East, Sengkang, and Yishun from July to August 2014. The exhibitions showcased the RSAF’s heritage, transformation journey, operational capabilities and readiness, and the professionalism and commitment of its people. More than 200,000 visitors took part in interactive games and activities such as the fighter simulators and RSAF photo booth, and viewed static displays of various weapon systems.

A parade was held at Tengah Air Base to mark this momentous occasion.

“The award is very meaningful to me as it is a form of recognition of my efforts and contributions as an NSman. I believe that as NSmen, we have an important role in protecting Singapore’s skies.”

MSG (NS) Tan Kim Kiat, Air Force Engineer, 815 Squadron, 2013 who received the RSAF Operationally Ready NSman of the Year Award

“Even though the Black Knights are not a full-time aerobatics team, they were able to put up a stunning display in such a short time. It showcases the RSAF and reflects the capabilities of the pilots, ground crew, and hardware. My confidence in our air defence is definitely boosted.”

Raymond Lye, Member, Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs and Resource Panel, 2014 who was impressed by his visit to RSAF@SA

“While we cannot know for certain what the future might bring, the building blocks of our success are in place and they will not change: unflinching dedication to mission, utmost professionalism, commitment to one another, and absolute loyalty to Singapore. On this occasion of the 45th anniversary of our nation’s Air Force, we renew our pledge to defend our nation’s skies and to keep our Air Force, in the years to come, above all.”

MG Hoo Cher Mou, Chief of Air Force, 2013 during his address at the parade

“The Black Knights are the pride of our Air Force and Singapore. So it wasn’t a difficult choice to stay on, even if it meant extending my service by six months.”

3SG Edison Lim, Dedicated Crew Chief, 143 Squadron, 2014 who extended his National Service to serve in the Black Knights logistical team